What I Wish Every Florida Realtor Knew Before Their First Closing | At Debbie's Closing Table
Drawing on more than 30 years of Florida real estate experience, Debbie Rice shares practical lessons every new Realtor should know before their first closing.
AT DEBBIES CLOSING TABLE
7/19/20265 min read
At Debbie's Closing Table is an ongoing series where Debbie Rice shares practical lessons, real-world stories, and insights gained from more than 30 years in Florida real estate.
Whether you're a new Realtor or a seasoned professional, my hope is that each article leaves you with one practical takeaway you can put to work in your next transaction.
Pull Up a Chair. Let's Talk Closings.
Welcome to the first edition of At Debbie's Closing Table.
After more than 30 years in Florida real estate—as a former real estate attorney, title company owner, and now transaction coordinator—I've had the privilege of working with Realtors at every stage of their careers.
I've worked with brand-new agents preparing for their very first closing, experienced agents managing dozens of transactions, and top producers who understand that every successful closing depends on preparation, communication, and teamwork.
If I could sit down across the closing table with every new Realtor before their first transaction, there are a few things I'd want to share.
These aren't lessons from a textbook. They're lessons learned from three decades of watching transactions come together successfully—and from seeing how small oversights can sometimes create unnecessary challenges.
One lesson has remained constant throughout my career: people feel more confident when they know what's happening. That's why I believe regular communication and timely updates are just as important as meeting deadlines. A simple update can reduce stress, answer questions before they're asked, and keep everyone moving toward the same goal—a successful closing.
Whether you're preparing for your first closing or your hundredth, I hope these lessons help you approach every transaction with confidence.
So, pull up a chair.
Let's talk closings.
Lesson #1: Every Transaction Has Its Own Story
One of the first things you'll discover is that no two transactions are ever exactly alike.
The contracts may look familiar. The forms may be the same. The timelines may follow a similar path.
People don't.
Every buyer has different concerns.
Every seller has different expectations.
Every lender, title company, inspector, and homeowners' association has its own processes.
The moment you assume, "This one will be just like the last one," you're likely to be surprised.
Approach every transaction with fresh eyes and an open mind.
Lesson #2: Read the Contract More Than Once
It sounds simple.
But one of the biggest mistakes I see is assuming someone else caught every detail.
Read the contract.
Then read it again.
Pay attention to:
Deadlines
Financing terms
Inspection periods
Special provisions
Addenda
Closing requirements
The contract is the roadmap for the entire transaction. The better you know it, the easier it is to anticipate questions before they become problems.
And when it's time to close, use that roadmap one final time by comparing the Closing Disclosure (CD) or Settlement Statement to the purchase contract. A careful review helps ensure the financial terms accurately reflect what the parties agreed to and can uncover discrepancies before closing.
Lesson #3: Never Assume the Closing Statement Is Correct
Comparing the Closing Disclosure or Settlement Statement to the purchase contract isn't just a final checklist item—it's an important quality-control step before closing.
At Star Closers, one of the final quality-control steps we perform is carefully reviewing the Closing Disclosure or Settlement Statement against the purchase contract. During a recent transaction, we identified several discrepancies that did not match the terms of the contract. After bringing them to the attention of the closing agent, the statement was corrected, reducing our client's closing costs by more than $3,000.
Errors are uncommon, but they can happen. That's why every final settlement statement deserves a careful review.
Ask yourself:
Are the contract terms reflected correctly?
Is title insurance being charged to the correct party?
Are agreed-upon credits included?
Have all negotiated repairs, concessions, or addenda been accounted for?
Do the closing costs match what was agreed to in the contract?
The contract sets the expectations. The Closing Disclosure or Settlement Statement should reflect them.
Lesson #4: Communication Solves More Problems Than It Creates
One phone call can save days of frustration.
One email can prevent a misunderstanding.
One quick update can reassure a nervous buyer or seller.
Don't wait until there's a problem to communicate.
The best transactions are filled with small conversations that keep everyone informed along the way.
People appreciate knowing what's happening—even if the update is simply, "Everything is on track."
Throughout my career, I've found that one of the best ways to build trust is by keeping everyone informed. Regular status updates—even when there's nothing urgent to report—help Realtors, buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies stay aligned and confident that the transaction is moving forward. In my own transactions, I make it a priority to provide regular updates—typically at least once each week—so everyone knows where we stand and potential issues can be addressed before they become problems.
Lesson #5 Stay Organized from Day One
Organization isn't glamorous.
No one celebrates a well-organized transaction file.
But organization is often the reason a closing feels smooth instead of stressful.
Create a system.
Track deadlines.
Keep documents together.
Follow up before deadlines—not after them.
A little organization today can prevent a lot of scrambling tomorrow.
Lesson #6: Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions
Real estate is a relationship business.
The strongest transactions happen when Realtors, lenders, title companies, inspectors, and transaction coordinators work together as a team.
Treat everyone with professionalism and respect.
Ask questions.
Listen.
Learn.
The relationships you build today will become one of your greatest professional assets throughout your career.
Lesson #7: Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
No one expects a new Realtor to know everything.
The best professionals I've worked with weren't the ones who had all the answers.
They were the ones who weren't afraid to ask questions.
Questions prevent mistakes.
Questions build confidence.
Questions help you grow.
Never let pride stand in the way of learning.
Lesson #8: Remember Who You're Really Serving
It's easy to become focused on deadlines, documents, and checklists.
But behind every file is a family.
A first-time homebuyer.
A growing family needing more space.
Someone relocating for a new job.
A retiree beginning a new chapter.
For them, this isn't just another transaction.
It's one of the biggest moments of their lives.
Never lose sight of that.
Closing Thoughts from Debbie
After all these years, one lesson stands out above the rest.
Successful closings aren't about perfection.
They're about preparation.
They're about communication.
They're about treating people with respect and paying attention to the details that matter.
Whether this is your first transaction or your hundredth, there's always something new to learn—and that's one of the things I love most about this business.
Thank you for pulling up a chair at At Debbie's Closing Table.
I hope you'll join me again as we continue sharing lessons, stories, and practical insights from behind the scenes of Florida real estate closings.
Need a Trusted Partner Behind the Scenes?
Whether you're preparing for your first closing or managing dozens of transactions each year, Star Closers provides professional contract-to-close transaction coordination throughout Florida.
We help Realtors stay organized, meet deadlines, and deliver a smoother closing experience for their clients.
👉 Learn More About Our Florida Transaction Coordination Services
👉 Visit Our Contact & Consultation Page
Until next time, keep your files organized, your communication clear, and your closings on track.
— Debbie Rice
Expert Coordination • Stellar Results
Pull Up a Chair Again Next Time
At Debbie's Closing Table is published regularly with practical lessons, real-world stories, and insights from more than 30 years in Florida real estate.
Star Closers
Florida Transaction Coordinator
Contract-to-Close Transaction Coordination Services for Florida Real Estate
📧 info@thestarclosers.com
📞 561-235-0822
Serving real estate professionals across Florida including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Naples, and Gainesville.
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Star Closers provides administrative contract-to-close transaction coordination services for Florida real estate transactions. We do not perform licensed real estate activities. Fees may be paid at closing with brokerage approval.
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